South African actor Mfana Jones Hlophe has died. He was best known for his roles on Generations: The Legacy and Soul City.
Hlophe died on Wednesday night, 7 October. His family had rushed him to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, according to The South African.
“He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital,” his brother, Bonani Mambi, said.
Mambi reportedly confirmed the death on Friday. He said the actor had been having health problems before he died.
According to Mambi, Hlophe had lived with Type 1 diabetes for several years. The family helped him manage the illness. This was especially true during episodes when he could not move without help.
Mambi said Hlophe was alone at home on Wednesday when his health got worse. His partner found him in a poor state when she came back from work.
She first tried to help him herself. She then arranged an e-hailing car to take him to hospital. The family was told later that evening that he had died.
No medical report showing the exact cause of death has been made public.
The team behind Generations: The Legacy joined other actors in mourning him. The SABC1 soapie paid tribute to its former cast member on Friday and sent condolences to his family.
“On behalf of the producers, cast and crew, we are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Mr Mfana Jones Hlophe,” the production said.
On the show, Hlophe played Bra Nimz, who was also known as Nimrod.
Actor Zola Hashatsi was one of the first people in the industry to share the news. “He practically raised us,” Hashatsi wrote on X. He thanked Hlophe for his work in South African theatre and television.
Fellow actor Nimrod Nkosi also paid tribute. He remembered the time they worked together on Generations: The Legacy.
Hlophe was born in Durban and grew up in Umlazi. His career covered television, theatre, music and dance.
Many viewers came to know him as Jabu on Soul City. His other television roles included Uzalo, Imbewu: The Seed, Isibaya and Zabalaza. His later work included KwaBaba.
On stage, he performed in Sarafina, a production known around the world. This followed his early work under theatre veteran Mbongeni Ngema.
He also appeared in other theatre shows, including Ipi Ntombi, Gumboots and Woza Albert. Away from acting, he worked on building new productions and helped younger performers.
The family plans to bury him in Durban, where his parents are buried. A memorial service is also being planned in Johannesburg, but the family has not yet confirmed the details.
Source: this article is based on reporting by The South African. Image: The South African. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.